Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Message

America remembers on December 7

December 06, 2013

December
7 marks the 72nd anniversary of the deadly attack on Pearl Harbor that resulted
in 3,500 Americans casualties. The
attack altered America’s destiny and tested the will of the American people
like never before.

At the time, it was the most shocking
and tragic day in our nation’s history. But it was also a day that served to
ignite American patriotism and our great national spirit.

America had never been so grievously wounded. But Americans
refused to stay down, and they rallied together with determination and a sense
of urgency with one goal in mind–to do whatever it would take to defend their
home and freedom. Thus, America’s
“Greatest Generation” was born.

Our collective response and ultimate victory in
World War II sent a message to the world: America will never go quietly into
the night. We will always fight back, and we will prevail.

Though
most of the survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor and those who fought in
World War II are no longer with us, we will always remember their courage and
devotion to our country. They truly shaped America into what it would become
over the next half century and beyond. Generations
of Americans remain forever grateful to them for their unyielding love of
country and sacrifice.